Description
About Dr. Marie Toscano
Dr. Marie Toscano is a dedicated Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in adult patients, and may see older children for certain conditions. Practicing at DermaVie M.D. in Gatineau, QC, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in patient care. She provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care for a wide variety of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection.
Dr. Toscano holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 32 years of experience practicing as a Dermatologist since 1992. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and possesses the necessary certifications to practice Dermatology (Comprehensive Care for Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions) in Quebec, ensuring her expertise in both medical and surgical dermatological services.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancers, and the development of personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is committed to providing compassionate and professional care to her patients in Gatineau. Dr. Toscano is fluent in French, facilitating clear communication and personalized patient interactions.
Common Conditions Dr. Marie Toscano Addresses
Dr. Marie Toscano diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa): A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition featuring painful, deep-seated lumps, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together (axillae, groin, under breasts).
- Folliculitis (Bacterial, Fungal, Non-infectious): Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by infection (e.g., Staph aureus, Malassezia) or irritation, leading to itchy or painful bumps, sometimes with pustules.
Hair & Scalp Disorders
- Telogen Effluvium: A type of temporary, diffuse hair shedding often triggered by significant stress, illness, surgery, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes (e.g., postpartum).
- Alopecia Areata (Patchy, Totalis, Universalis, Ophiasis): An autoimmune disorder causing hair to fall out, often in round patches. Can affect scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or entire body.
Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)
- Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
- Nail Unit Tumors (Benign & Malignant): Various growths that can occur in or around the nail unit, including benign (e.g., glomus tumor, myxoid cyst) and malignant (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) tumors.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Marie Toscano.
Dermatologist Services Offered by Dr. Marie Toscano
- Skin Cancer Screening & Mole Mapping (Dermoscopy & Digital Monitoring): Thorough examination of the skin for suspicious lesions, including moles and other growths. Utilizes dermoscopy for enhanced visualization and may involve digital mole mapping for high-risk patients to track changes over time.
- Acne Vulgaris & Acne Rosacea Treatment (Topical, Oral, Systemic, including Isotretinoin): Management of acne and rosacea, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and facial redness, using a range of treatments from topical creams and gels to oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin for severe or recalcitrant acne.
- Excision of Benign Lesions (Moles/Nevi, Cysts, Lipomas, Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses): Surgical removal of non-cancerous skin growths for medical reasons (e.g., irritation, inflammation) or cosmetic purposes, with pathological examination if indicated.
- Cyst Excision and Drainage of Abscesses: Surgical removal of various types of skin cysts (e.g., epidermoid, pilar) and incision and drainage for skin abscesses.
- Medical-Grade Facials & Skincare Consultations: Professional facial treatments tailored to specific skin concerns and expert advice on developing an optimal at-home skincare regimen using medical-grade products.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia) Evaluation & Treatment (Androgenetic, Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecias): Investigating causes of hair loss (including scalp examination, hair pull tests, biopsies) and providing medical treatments for conditions like male/female pattern baldness, alopecia areata (including intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy), telogen effluvium, and various forms of scarring alopecia.
- Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Treatment (Topical, Oral, Botulinum Toxin): Management options for excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles, including prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, and botulinum toxin injections.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Toscano for care relevant to your specific condition. Coverage for services varies; medically necessary treatments are typically covered by provincial health plans, while cosmetic procedures are usually self-pay.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
DermaVie M.D. is conveniently situated in Gatineau's Gatineau Sector Central (Mont-Luc, Tecumseh) neighborhood, close to key landmarks such as the Federal Government Buildings (Terrasses de la Chaudière) and UQO (Université du Québec en Outaouais) Campus Alexandre-Taché. The practice is easily accessible via public transit, including the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) network, which includes the Rapibus BRT. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring convenience for those arriving by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Toscano, a Dermatologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Toscano, diagnostic procedures (e.g., skin biopsies), and treatments for provincially insured skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, severe eczema, skin cancer, infections) are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Purely cosmetic procedures (e.g., Botox for wrinkles, most laser hair removal, fillers for aesthetic enhancement) are typically not covered and are self-pay. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment with Dr. Toscano's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Toscano, a Dermatologist?
- Yes, for medically necessary dermatological care covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an ER doctor for an acute issue) is almost always required to see a Dermatologist such as Dr. Toscano. This ensures coordinated care and that your visit is appropriate for specialist assessment. Some dermatologists may offer consultations for uninsured cosmetic services without a referral, but these would be a direct cost to you. Always check with the clinic regarding their specific referral policy.
- When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Toscano?
- A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Toscano is often recommended by a family physician for: any new or changing moles or skin growths; persistent or severe skin rashes (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) not responding to initial treatments; severe or cystic acne; chronic hives; significant hair loss or scalp disorders; problematic nail conditions (e.g., persistent fungal infections, unusual changes); suspected skin infections; or for expert skin cancer screening, especially if you have risk factors like a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or significant sun exposure. Early consultation can be key for effective management and diagnosis.
- How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Toscano for skin cancer screening?
- The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Toscano varies based on your individual risk factors. These include a personal or family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma), having many moles (e.g., >50) or atypical moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use, or a suppressed immune system. Your family doctor can assess your risk, or Dr. Toscano can provide a personalized recommendation after an initial consultation. Regardless of professional check-ups, performing monthly self-skin exams to monitor for any new or changing lesions (using the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide) is crucial for early detection.
Contact & Licensing Information
DermaVie M.D.
110-500 Boul Gréber
Gatineau, QC J8T 7W3
Phone: (819) 561-5553 | Fax: (819) 561-5554
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Toscano is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Toscano for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=88257